FastMotoring Motor News In Speed
Malaysia’s Alex Yoong will be joining the 40th running of the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours this weekend with the first one-make series by Audi, the Audi R8 LMS Cup.
The former Formula 1 driver will be at the wheel of an Audi R8 LMS ultra as he makes his debut in Germany’s toughest endurance race. Joining him on one of the two Audi race experience teams will be fellow professionals Luca Cappellari of Italy, Florian Gruber from Germany, and Warren Luff of Australia.
The international quartet will take on a circuit so challenging it has earned the moniker ‘Green Hell’.
Says Yoong: “It will be a great challenge. There is no other race in the world like it. It’s the ultimate driver challenge – 25km that can be wet and dry at the same time, 230 cars starting, 24 hours of racing, 300,000 spectators over the week. It will be the first time I have driven the new Audi R8 LMS ultra.”
The Nurburgring outing is just one example of the world of opportunities Audi motorsport can open to Asian racing talent.
Rene Koneberg, Director of Audi Sport customer racing China: “Providing opportunities to our drivers in Asia is an integral part of our commitment to motorsport in the region. We are delighted to have Alex, one of our Audi R8 LMS Cup regular drivers, entered in one of the biggest endurance challenges in the world, and our aim is to develop more drivers from the series on the international stage.”
In the second car, three Audi race experience customers will be taking turns at the wheel with three-time Le Mans winner Marco Werner.
After three consecutive class victories in the race, the Audi factory line-up this year is concentrated on Audi Sport Team Phoenix, which is fielding two Audi R8 LMS ultra cars with seven seasoned endurance racers.
The Nurburgring 24 Hours starts on Saturday, May 19 at 16:00 local time.
